Overview & Reviews

These days, we've come to expect a lot from Infiniti. But in years past, the Japanese luxury brand actually struggled to find an audience. Only with the Infiniti G35 sport sedan did the company start to regain its footing after years in the red. At the time of its debut, the G35's refined styling and sporty performance made a loud statement.

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35, both built on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car. The G35 distinguished itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price. For those reasons, the rear-wheel-drive G35 was one of our editors' top recommendations for a sport sedan or coupe that was rewarding to own and drive. More recently, the G35 was replaced by the G37.

Most Recent Infiniti G35

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35 sedan, although the second generation is essentially the current G37 sedan with a smaller V6 engine. The G35 coupe lasted only one generation (meaning, same body style) before being replaced by the fully redesigned G37 coupe.

The most recent G35 sedan was completely redesigned for 2007. Changes included a stiffer body structure, revised chassis tuning for better handling, a more powerful V6 engine and a more voluptuous take on the previous G's styling. It was more or less the same size as the outgoing model, but the biggest improvement could be found inside, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Everything was better put together and materials were higher in quality. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, but a six-speed manual came with the 6MT trim. We'd seriously recommend against this transmission (especially on 2007 models) as it was incredibly difficult to drive smoothly.

The sedan was available in five trims: a base model, Journey, x (indicated all-wheel drive), Sport and Sport 6MT. Most Infiniti G35 sedans will be of the Journey variety, which added items like dual-zone automatic climate control and a six-CD changer. The Sport trims were geared toward enthusiasts and featured 18-inch wheels and tires, a limited-slip differential, sport seats and aggressive tuning for the car's electronic stability system. A four-wheel active steering system was an option that's exclusive to the Sport trims, although we weren't fans of it.

Other than its engine, its name and few other detail changes, the G35 sedan became the G37 sedan for 2009.

Used Infiniti G35 Models

The original Infiniti G35 was introduced for 2003, and was produced in sedan form until 2006 and as a coupe until 2007. Originally, the sedan was available in one trim level until the all-wheel-drive model arrived for '04. The coupe could be had in base or Sport trim. The latter included a firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Both sedan and coupe shared the same 3.5-liter V6, but the sedan originally made less power (260 hp with four doors, 280 with two doors). They were made even at 280 hp for 2005, and both models when equipped with the six-speed manual option got a boost to 298 hp. These horsepower numbers dropped to 293 and 275, respectively, for the '07 coupe because of a change in SAE testing procedures -- actual output did not, in fact, change.

Other than the myriad engine changes, there were other noteworthy updates made during the first-generation G35's lifetime. The sedan received a new hood, grille, bumpers, side sills and taillights for '05, although it was hardly a revolutionary aesthetic difference. The coupe remained mostly unchanged visually. Inside, though, both benefited from a redesigned instrument panel and improved manual transmission with a lower shifting effort. The coupe gained an optional rear-steer system for 2006, while its Sport Package gained a unique front fascia and a big rear spoiler. Bluetooth arrived on all Gs that year. While the G35 sedan was completely redesigned for '07, the coupe remained the same.

In our reviews, we were quite fond of the original generation Infiniti G35. The sedan was a bargain-priced alternative to the BMW 3 Series, while being a little less frantic and more comfortable than the second-generation G35 and current G37. The coupe was the more practical, livable alternative to Nissan's 350Z -- it was a sports car in luxury clothing. If there was one area of concern, it was an interior filled with several cheap surfaces and some unintuitive controls. Headroom was also quite limited in the coupe. One feature that was welcome, though, was the optional reclining rear seatbacks in the G35 sedan, which made it a top choice for backseat comfort.

User Reviews:

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  Walts Words - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By walternaut - October 25 - 5:20 am

  Test drove the BMW 325, Mercedes 230K, VW Passat,and an Acura TSX. All were too small for a person 6 feet tall who occassionally carry other passengers. The VWs performance was not on par with the other tested cars. Overall performance was above the others. Handling is "right now" with very accurate steering response, directional control and acceleration. The rearview mirror tends to block my center visions somewhat, but other than that this is a well balanced car. The dynamics of the vehicle impart the feeling of you being a better driver, able to respond and avoid obstacles dropped by careless movers--sofas, mattresses, etc.

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  Infiniti G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mjf - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Handles well.

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  N/A - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By robustco77 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car give you a feeling of being in control.Feels like you can go after anyone or thing on the streets.It stands out from any other car out they.

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  Boomers muscle car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GIBBY - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had five Nissans over 13 years. Still have 2. Checked out new Max but 6" longer and 6" narrower than G35. Styling and handling of G35 won hands down..price not that much difference. Once speeding off highway exit I hit a quick turn and had to apply brakes with more pressure than normal the VDC kicked in and controlled the turn without any trouble. AWESOME. I was ready for a skid and a quick correction, but just glided where I wanted to go.

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  I want out! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Charlie - October 1 - 8:56 am

  I bought this car mostly based on its looks. Then I test drove it and fell in love with it. Since then I had the brake light switch replaced because of a squeaky noise. Then the clutch pedal assembly had to be replaced, because it was binding. Now the clutch is slipping at 14k, the dealer blames me although I treat the car like a baby. Very disappointed that a $36k needs a new clutch at 14k miles. So the fact that the tires only last about 18k miles, Im looking at replacing tires and clutch in less than two years. By the way the mirror rattles, the console rattles, there is rattle in the window and a few more.

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  great sport/lux bargain - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By cyrilcat1212 - September 18 - 8:40 pm

  good looks, roomy interior w/all the comfort and convenience of a luxury sedan combined w/ferocious acceleration. supple ride w/plenty of grip.

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  G35 is better than an M3 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By joenole - September 3 - 4:00 am

  The G35 four-door sedan is the best performance vehicle for the money. The 6-speed manual transmission is smooth and you can rock this car when you drop from 6th to 5th to pass.

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  Brakes!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GB - August 31 - 6:13 am

  Id love this car so much more if I didnt have to have new brakes every 12000 miles! This car eats tires; goes thru brakes like crazy and get terrible gas mileage (even when we dont race it!) Otherwise, its my favorite car of all time... and Ive had a few!!

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  50,000 miles - No major problems - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Dukeboy22 - August 28 - 9:50 am

  I purchased my G35 in June 07 with 29k miles. Since then, I added 22k more miles, with few troubles. First, the tires I have are great, and I just rotated them, yesterday, after 22k miles. I dont think I will change them until they have close to 40k on them. They are definitely NOT OEM. Second, I had a funny scrunching noise in the suspension, possibly the shocks/struts. The dealership replaced this free of charge under warranty (though I still hear some of the same sound - revisiting dealer!). Third, I had a dummy light come on 2 weeks ago, which the manual said was low tire pressure. I inflated the, the light went away! Its fast, a little bumpy, very sexy, and it makes me happy!

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  Getting ready to trade... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Big Dave in ohio - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Great Owner Group drives Nissan hard on warranty issues: A/C Compressor Brake pads AND Rotors Bose Vibrations/rattles Only got 30k miles on OEM tires and car is REALLY squirrley in small amounts of ice/snow. Transmission is a little clunky and gets to 5th gear way too soon. Probably why gas mileage is on the low side. Drives great on trips and optimal road conditions. Bottom line, really makes the Maxima look attractive for a lot of reasons.